A root canal is a dental procedure that treats and saves a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. After removal, the tooth’s interior is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. Understanding the recovery process helps patients prepare for what to expect as their tooth heals.
Immediate Post-Procedure Experience
Immediately after a root canal, patients experience numbness from local anesthesia, which wears off within a few hours. As it subsides, mild soreness or tenderness around the tooth and jaw is common. This discomfort results from tooth manipulation during the procedure and the body’s inflammatory response. Some may also notice temporary sensitivity when biting or touching the treated tooth.
The jaw might also feel sore from remaining open for an extended period. These initial sensations are mild to moderate. Avoid eating until numbness fully dissipates to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Typical Recovery Timeline
For most individuals, discomfort after a root canal subsides within two to five days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are effective in managing this initial pain, which should gradually diminish daily. While immediate discomfort resolves quickly, complete healing of surrounding tissues can take several weeks to a few months.
Recovery duration can be influenced by the initial infection’s extent, the specific tooth treated (molars with more canals may take longer), and overall health. Despite the longer internal healing period, most patients feel significantly better and can resume normal activities within a week.
Managing Discomfort and Care During Recovery
Managing discomfort after a root canal involves several steps:
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected cheek for 15-20 minutes during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and numb the area.
- After this initial period, a warm compress may help relax jaw muscles.
- Stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt for the first few days to prevent undue pressure on the treated tooth.
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until the tooth feels comfortable.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing around the treated area to prevent irritation and promote healing.
- Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with the dentist or endodontist to ensure proper healing and tooth restoration.
When to Seek Dental Attention
While some discomfort is expected after a root canal, certain symptoms warrant immediate dental attention:
- Severe pain or pressure that persists for more than a few days or worsens.
- Visible swelling inside or outside the mouth that does not subside after a day or two.
- A fever.
- An allergic reaction to prescribed medication, such as a rash, hives, or itching.
- If the temporary crown or filling falls out completely.
- If symptoms experienced before the root canal, such as swelling or throbbing pain, return.